Nursing is not an easy job. Anyone that says it is has no clue what a nurse actually does and is responsible for. We have to be at the top of our game, on top of our knowledge, and always willing to learn. Even on the days where we don’t feel our best, we somehow have to find a way to care for our patients to the best of our ability. When a nurse is depressed, it makes a hard job nearly impossible. This post is for nurses with depression.
If you’re a nurse that struggles with depression, know that you’re not alone. I’ve had several hard bouts that have made getting out of bed a challenge, let alone doing my job. It’s hard to paste that happy, caring smile on your face when you feel anything but happy and don’t care about anything. The apathy, loneliness, isolation, and overwhelming sadness aren’t really that “nurse” persona. But don’t worry, I will help you get some of your spark back.
What Makes Nursing with Depression So Hard?
As a nurse, you know that things can change in an instant. We’ve seen incredible suffering. And we’ve all been present when someone’s life was changed forever. It’s hard to go to work when you know devastation, pain, fear, and other terrible things are going to be a big part of your day. Depending on where you work, the bad parts may outweigh the good. That’s not easy when you’re already depressed.
Then, there are the difficult patients, family members, doctors, and coworkers. When all you really want to say is, “Forget this!” you somehow have to put on your professional hat and handle all the drama that comes at you. There’s workplace drama. Gossip. Patients and coworkers constantly whining and complaining.
And, of course, most places are still ridiculously understaffed. There are the long, strange hours. Physical and mental strain from the job. Plus, you’re away from your friends and family a lot, sometimes on weekends or holidays. All of this can take such a toll on your mental health.
When you’re depressed, the bad parts of the job are all you’re going to see. How can anyone possibly survive this kind of torture for 9-12 hours? Nurses with depression often feel like they’re in hell.
Why Depression in Nurses is More Common Than We Realized
I found an article on the website for Chief Healthcare Executive by Ron Southwick. He explains that a study done in 2020 found that nurses and doctors were more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Even though the pandemic peak is over, nurses are still feeling the same amount of stress. A lot of the problems that came with the COVID crisis are still here, such as staff shortages, which make it difficult for healthcare workers to care for themselves. While nurse advocates and leaders say we should feel free to take time off to recharge, a lot of nurses are reluctant to because they know it will leave their unit even more short-handed.
The increasing stress, workplace politics, nursing shortage, and everyday challenges make mental health issues much more common than most realize. But, since nurses never want to burden anyone with their problems, especially each other, many suffer in silence. I hope that, someday, no one feels like they have to be alone in their mental health fight.
How to Fight Back
I wish there was one cure-all for depression. But, just like many chronic illnesses, it takes a lot of trial and error to find a regimen that works well. The most important thing, especially for nurses with depression, is not to give up when the first thing doesn’t work. I say especially nurses because I feel like we tend not to give things a fair shot. While we genuinely want to feel better, we don’t want to focus on ourselves long enough to find something that works. Because, we’re nurses, right? We need to get back to taking care of everyone else!
Let’s change that mindset.
It’s okay to take care of yourself. As a matter of fact, it’s absolutely crucial. If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for all the people you care for!
Find Some Joy
Make it a point to look for the good things in life. That coffee you need to get through the shift? Focus on the taste, the way it warms you, and the amazing scent. What else do you love about your coffee, tea, or other favorite beverage? What about your drive to and from work? Any pretty sights or funny billboards? Is there a sunrise or sunset? What do the clouds look like? Beauty is all around you, you just have to look for it.
Get Outside
Speaking of outdoor beauty, get yourself outside! Fresh air does wonders for mental health! If you can, get outside for a few minutes during your shift. I know this may not be possible for our night-shifter friends. If you can’t, get outside when you’re off of work! Breathe in the air and notice how it fills your lungs so much better. Look for the beauty. Try to find something, anything, that can bring a smile to your face.
Do Something That Makes You Happy
Try doing something that brings you joy, whether it’s an art, craft, hobby, or exercise. Make a point to do more of it. Or, try something new to see what that sparks in you. If you’ve always wanted to see if you could hold your own in a kickboxing class, find one! Channel your inner Bob Ross and try to paint something, not worrying about how it’s going to turn out. Get the ingredients for something you’ve always wanted to try to make.
For more tips on coping with depression, be sure to check out my post on it here.
How to Help Other Nurses With Depression
No, I don’t want you to forget about your depression to help others. But, as I said earlier, nurses with depression are becoming more and more common. So, that means that there’s probably a whole lot of nurses that have some idea of what you’re going through. That means that a lot of nurses are suffering. It could be someone that you know well. Think of how well you’ve been able to hide your own depression. I truly believe the best way to help nurses with depression is to get it out in the open.
How?
Someone has to take the first step and start a conversation. Something as simple as, “Sometimes I really struggle with this job” or jokingly say, “Sometimes I feel like this job is crushing my soul. Anyone else?” You might be surprised by how many respond with, “OMG, YES!”
Get the conversation going so that you can all start feeling more comfortable talking about it. The more we talk about it, the weaker the stigma gets.
Remember Why You Became a Nurse
I know, I know, it’s a cliché. But, you wanted to become a nurse for some reason. You may not have fully known what you were getting yourself into (what newly licensed nurse does?), but something was telling you that this was the career you wanted. Think back to your first day in nursing school. What made you the most excited? Try to go back to that mindset. Tell your younger, naive self that it’s going to be hard, but it’s also going to be worth it!
-All my love!